December 19th.—To-day to the great surprise and joy of all, Colonel James E. Herbert, who was left in a supposed dying condition upon the field of Gettysburg, appeared in camp and was enthusiastically received. The Colonel had endured a long imprisonment at Johnson’s Island, and looked anything but well. January 8th, 1865.—Just as had been expected, to-day Colonel Herbert, much to the regret of all, was compelled to relinquish the command of the battalion and go to the hospital. His loss was deeply felt, for the command was sadly in need of his valuable services. February 5th.—About 10 o’clock to-day the brigade received marching orders, and moving to the right was joined by heavy bodies of troops, when the whole crossed the breastworks and marched quietly along between the two picket lines some distance, when the Federal skirmishers were attacked and driven in, and an assault made upon their works, and although maintained with great vigor, it was repulsed with heavy loss. Two other charges by fresh troops met with no better success, when the Confederates retired, leaving most of their dead and wounded on the field. In this severe fight the Second Maryland took a conspicuous part, and, as usual, suffered severely. Among the killed was Lieutenant Charles Hodges, of Company C. The noble fellow, in the midst of the storm of bullets, halted for an instant to unbuckle the belt of one of his command who had fallen wounded, when he was struck in the head and fell dead. In his death the command lost one of its most valuable officers, and the cause an ardent supporter. His was a character not found in every-day life, but when encountered, like a pearl, was to be prized and treasured by all who loved that which is pure and unblemished. A gallant soldier, a devout Christian, he was beloved by all who knew his worth. February 24th.—At this time the number of desertions from the brigade and division to which the battalion belongs are very numerous, the men leaving their posts on picket in great numbers. Much dissatisfaction exists, and truly not without cause. For months they have been in the trenches with scarcely a sufficiency of food to sustain life, and almost in a state of nudity, whilst the weather has been intensely cold. To the honor of the Second Maryland, however, be it said that as yet but one desertion has taken place, that of Porter of Company A. Nor is it likely there will be another, for the men seem determined to bear their sufferings uncomplainingly whilst life lasts. March 27.—Fighting has been going on for the past two days along our front south of Petersburg, and it is evident the crisis is fast approaching. In the series of engagements the enemy have been successful, attacking our thin line with heavy columns, and all our rifle pits between Hatcher’s Run and the Weldon Railroad are in his possession. They are now within seventy-five yards of the position this division occupies, and an attack is hourly expected.